Please refer to the important information below regarding graduation for you and your guests.

Information for Graduates

University-wide VCU Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
Greater Richmond Convention Center
403 N. Third St., Richmond, VA 23219
RSVP Encouraged
For details about the VCU Spring 2023 Commencement, visit commencement.vcu.edu.

College of Health Professions Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.
Greater Richmond Convention Center- Grand Ballroom ABC
403 N. Third St., Richmond, VA 23219
RSVP Required
The ceremony will be live streamed and a link provided soon.

The official conferral date for May 2023 degrees is May 20, 2023. Degrees will post to your record on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Degrees will not appear on your academic transcript until this date. Degrees will only show for those students who have satisfied all degree requirements and receive final approval. Check your academic transcript via eServices to ensure your degree has been posted before requesting official transcripts.

Diplomas will be mailed beginning June 30, 2023, to the address provided during graduation checkout. To receive your diploma, you must meet all financial obligations to the university. Diplomas will not be released for those students who have not met their financial obligations. Please contact the Office of Records and Registration at (804) 827-1673 or graduation@vcu.edu once those obligations have been met.

Cultural Achievement Ceremonies: Hosted by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, these ceremonies provide graduating students who identify as Black/African American, disabled, Indigenous/Native American, Latinx, Asian-American + Pacific Islander, and LGBTQIA+ an opportunity to celebrate their academic achievement in a setting that recognizes and affirms their cultural identity and rewards their hard work and dedication.

Call Me By My Name

If you are requesting changes based on a legal change of name, the first step is to process your legal change of name with the university. Information on doing so may be found at rar.vcu.edu/records.

If you have not changed your legal name and are requesting changes based on the name of use, please visit Call Me By My Name.

Cap & Gown Info

Regalia will be available for purchase during Grad Fair events. Details are available on the Commencement website. Grad Fair will be held at the MCV Campus Barnes & Noble @ VCU on Tuesday, March 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please keep in mind that you must visit your primary campus Barnes & Noble @ VCU to purchase your specific regalia. If you are unable to attend Grad Fair or visit Barnes & Noble @ VCU, please order your regalia online at balfour.com/vcu. Shipping charges will apply to all internet orders.

Regalia Assistance

A fund has been established to provide relief for those who need financial assistance in purchasing regalia. This fund is administered by the Division of Student Affairs. Students may now access the application for regalia assistance, online at dos.vcu.edu/services/financial-support. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out, at which time the application will close. Assistance will be for $25 to go towards purchase of one regalia set. Financial need will be considered as part of the process.

First Destination Survey

Please complete the VCU First Destination Survey via Handshake. Check your VCU email for access to the survey. Answers to the survey will help VCU to improve career and academic advising, student recruitment and overall student services. Graduating students who complete the survey will be eligible to win prizes (AirPods, air fryer, robot vacuum, VCU luggage set or a $250 Amazon gift card). Please complete by March 31, 2023.

Commencement Announcements

Announcements are the traditional way to tell your friends and family about your achievement. Standard etiquette is to send announcements out two weeks before graduation, but announcements may be ordered at any time and can be sent to friends and family after graduation. Personalized VCU announcements can be ordered at Grad Fair and are also available online at balfour.com/vcu or by calling (800) 433-0296. These announcements are printed with the graduate’s full formal name, degree and major. Please allow seven to 10 business days for announcement order delivery.

Information for Guests

University-wide VCU Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
Greater Richmond Convention Center
403 N. Third St., Richmond, VA 23219
For details about the VCU Spring 2023 Commencement, visit commencement.vcu.edu.

College of Health Professions Commencement Ceremony

Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.
Greater Richmond Convention Center- Grand Ballroom ABC
403 N. Third St., Richmond, VA 23219
The ceremony will be live streamed and a link provided soon.

Guest Seating

Tickets are not required; however, standing room for guests will NOT be allowed, all guests must be seated.  Doors will open at 1:30 p.m for the College of Health Professions Commencement Ceremony.

Parking

You may park in the 3rd & Marshall garage, 5th & Marshall garage, or locate any other public parking or street parking.  Arrive early, as parking will be congested due to various ceremonies. A public parking deck is located on the corner of 3rd and Marshall Streets. It is connected to the building via an enclosed skywalk. The following address can be used on your GPS: 351 N 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Limited street parking is also available. Please use doors at the corner of 5th & Marshall Streets (Exhibit Hall Pavilion; not Ballroom Pavilion) and walk down the 1st floor hallway that runs parallel to 5th St. Staff members and signage will be located throughout the building for assistance.

Parking in this deck is limited, so guests are encouraged to come early.

Additional Parking

The Fifth and Marshall streets garage is located at 500 E. Marshall St., Richmond, Va. 23219.

Click here for a detailed map of downtown parking locations.

Restaurants and Dining

Search local restaurants for your favorite cuisine or check out Richmond Magazine’s, 50 Restaurants We Love.

Accommodations

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) seating is available in the Grand Ballroom based on the attached map.  Listed as "ADA".  Please arrive early if you have guests who need ADA seating. An ASL interpreter will also be on location.